Sister Gloria Mar, FMA 

Sister Gloria Mar is a member of the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco in San Antonio, TX.  SOAR! recently had the opportunity to interview her. 

“I’ve always been very ambitious. I wanted to chase the stars…to be the best” says Sister Gloria with a smile.  

Sister Gloria entered the convent in 1954 and professed her vows in 1961. She recently celebrated her 65th jubilee. 

A lifelong educator, Sister Gloria taught students from first grade through college. She served as principal four different times. She served her community on the Provincial Council and was Provincial Treasurer for twelve years. Additionally, she served twice as an Animator of a community. 

Her love of education and accompanying others on their journeys is reflected in her ministry with two Salesian founded organizations – ADMA and VIDES. 

She has worked with and continues to be a spiritual animator as part of ADMA (Association of Devotees of Mary, Help of Christians). This global lay association, founded by St. John Bosco in 1869, promotes devotion to the Eucharist, to Mary, and provides support for Catholics and Catholic families to live their faith. 

Sister Gloria at VIDES formation camp.

Sister Gloria’s ministry also includes serving as Director of VIDES (Volunteers in Development, Education, and Solidarity) from 2003-2019. This program is sponsored by the Salesian Sisters and helps young adults live a simple, Christ-centered life while serving poor communities throughout the world. She remains part of the formation team, and notes, “I’m kind of retired, but still very much a part of this.” 

Her greatest joy as a Sister has been working with VIDES as director. She notes, “Jesus saved the best for the end.” She enjoys working with the young people in the program who “are eager to change the world and go and do it” through ministry work mostly in missions. 

As she reflects on her life, she says it is important “to learn to let God love others through me, and to see others as God does. He is full of compassionate love. No matter what we may have done, His love endures forever.” 

The Salesian Sisters received a SOAR! grant for air conditioning. Now, they can maintain consistent temperatures throughout the building, enhancing the Sisters’ comfort and health, and improving energy efficiency.